| A Checklist for
Scientific Writing
General Rule
Write out numbers nine and under and use numerals to represent numbers 10 and
over.
Incorrect: The fetal pig was eighteen inches in length.
Correct: The fetal pig was 18 inches in length.
Remember that there are exceptions to this rule.
Use Numerals to Express
Values under 10 that are compared to or used in the same sentence
with numbers over 10.
Incorrect: There were 23 red-eyed fruit flies and five white-eyed
fruit flies.
Correct: There were 23 red-eyed fruit flies and 5 white-eyed
fruit flies.
Values preceding a unit of measurement
Incorrect: seven cm, eight grams
Correct: 7 cm, 8 g
Values representing percentages, ratios, fractions and decimals
Incorrect: two percent, three to four, five-sixths, seven hundredths
Correct: 2%, 3:4, 5/6, .07
Values representing the number of participants, date, ages or
points on a scale
Incorrect: eight subjects were interviewed, ages six to nine,
scored three on a six point scale
Correct: 8 subjects were interviewed, ages 6 to 9, scored 3
on a 6 point scale
Use Words to Express
Numbers that begin a sentence.
Incorrect: 12 fetal pigs were dissected. . .
Correct: Twelve fetal pigs were dissected. . .
Conflict Between Rules
When there is a conflict between these rules, such as when listing a specific
amount (typically written as a numeral) located at the beginning of the sentence
(typically expressed in words), use this example to guide you.
Incorrect: 2.00 g of hydrochloric acid was used to determine.
. .
Correct: Hydrochloric acid (2.00 g) was used to determine. .
.
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to A Checklist for Scientific Writing
Copyright 2003 by the Academic Center and the
University of Houston-Victoria.
Created 2002 by Candice Chovanec Melzow. |
